audsley Report post Posted January 7, 2016 I recommend a Cooper Excalibur in .280 Ackley Improved if you can afford it. You're looking at just over $2,000, but once you've got the scope on it you're through. Cooper guarantees 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards, includes a copy of the target that was shot with your rifle and tells you the powder and bullet type (Sierra Matchking HPBT, etc.) and weight that did it. Up to you to figure out how much powder to use and the primer. I believe there are a couple of Cooper dealers in the Phoenix area, or you can go on Gunbroker and pick one up for a $40 FFL transfer fee and no sales tax. My seller is in Pennsylvania and actually paid for the shipping. But you will need Warne bases and rings, which sets you back about another $100. Cooper has a reputation for being pricey because they also make $7,000 rifles with incredibly beautiful walnut, but their synthetic stocked rifles are quite reasonable. I recommend .280 AI based on it's incredible efficiency and suitability for long range. Using my Nosler manual, I see that the classic 7MM Remington magnum needs 63.0 grains of IMR4831 to push a 160 grain Accubond at 3,008 FPS. The 280 AI will do 3,005 FPS at 57.0 grains of the same stuff, or 10% less. That's noticeably easier on your shoulder and your powder budget. And any time you can achieve the same results with less recoil you're probably going to improve your accuracy. Factory loaded .280 AI exists, but it's pricey. Best to reload. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roninflag Report post Posted January 7, 2016 sendero and start reloading Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tac Report post Posted January 7, 2016 .338 lapua and reload, pick your rifle i have a Sako, and armalite in .338 lapua and both are great shooters. I have a 700 rem in .270 that is a fantastic shooter also but too light for long range elk. All three of these rifles shoot .5" groups. both .338 i can usually see impact due to muzzle brakes doing their job. I let a friend who has a 300 wm in a sendero shoot the Sako and he loved that he could see the impact when shooting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted January 9, 2016 With a 7mm Rem Mag, you won't be over gunned for Coues at 50 yards or under gunned for Elk at 1000 yards. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZ_Native Report post Posted January 9, 2016 With a 7mm Rem Mag, you won't be over gunned for Coues at 50 yards or under gunned for Elk at 1000 yards. Perfect statement PRDATR. It's gotta be one of the perfect do-all rounds out there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CJ Long range Report post Posted January 9, 2016 I have a 7 mag and I love it but that being said I am converting it to a 300 RUM , for longer effective range. It can push a 210 hvld at 3100fps Perfect elk medicine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lancetkenyon Report post Posted January 10, 2016 He CJ.....I have the base coats done on both of your new .300RUM stocks.... It is funny, CJ is building a .300RUM and stepping up from 7RM, and I am building a 7RM and already have a .300RUM. Each round has their place and advantages. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CJ Long range Report post Posted January 10, 2016 Thanks lance! Just got your text! They look great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naturebob Report post Posted January 10, 2016 I got the Tikka 300 win mag with muzzle break and it doesn't kick much at all and a great shooting gun with hornady factory sst.......BOB! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
